FIFA boss Blatter blasts Mourinho and Rooney

FIFA President Sepp Blatter yesterday launched a scathing attack on Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho for his behaviour during the club's Champions League campaign.

In an amazing outburst, Blatter also criticised Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney and went as far as suggesting he needed a 'clip around the ear'.

Blatter says that Rooney must behave better and that his manager, Alex Ferguson, should give him the punishment to bring him into line.

Blatter said: "I appeal to Mourinho and Rooney. As stars at such a high level they have a responsibility to fans as well as to the game.

"With Rooney it is a question of education. He should receive a clip around the ear from the management."

Chelsea boss Mourinho was also singled out for criticism by Blatter for his comments regarding referee Anders Frisk after their defeat against Barcelona in the Nou Camp.

The Portuguese coach's remarks led to the Swedish official hanging up his whistle.

Mourinho also got in trouble for claiming Alex Ferguson was trying to influence the referee during their Carling Cup semi-final, while his latest attack came on the linesman who gave a goal at Anfield.

Luis Garcia's effort for Liverpool knocked Chelsea out of the Champions League, and Mourinho's reaction after the match has also drawn Blatter's wrath.

Blatter said: "Mourinho is quiet on the bench. But he should be quieter after the match as well.

"At Anfield he embraced Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez after the game which was great. But then he went on and made comments about the linesman.

"This is where he should think a bit more. In football you learn how to win but you also must learn how to lose.

"It would be good for Rooney and Mourinho to think about all this."

One player who could be leaving Chelsea is striker Mikael Forssell, with Tottenham now having joined the chase for the Finn, according to Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric.

The 24-year-old has been linked with another loan spell at Birmingham while Pompey are also keen to do a deal.

But Mandaric said: "Tottenham and others are interested in him. It's difficult to get big players but we're working on it. He's quality and he knows the Premiership."

Forssell scored 19 goals at Birmingham in 2003-04 but was ruled out for seven months of this campaign with a serious knee injury.